Machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting



Nov. 29, 192 7.

T. SATO MACHINE FOR PREPARING PINEAPPLE cRowNs FOR PLANTING 9Sheeis-Sheeil l w 5 w m Nov. 29, 1927.

T. SATO MACHINE FOR PREPARING PINEAPPLE CROWNS FOR PLANTING 9lsheets-sheet Filed Jan. 29. 1926 Nov. 29, 1927. 1,651,158 T. sAToMACHINE FOR PREPARING PINEAPPLE CROWNS FOR PLANTING Filed Jan.29, 1926 9Sheets-Sheet 5 74x50 A ra' Nov. 29, 1927.

T.'SATO MACHINE FOR PREPARING PINEAPPLE GROWNS FOR PLANTING FiledJan.29, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 gnvcum. 7210750 15,470

@No s a l Nov, 29, 1927.

T. SATO MACHINE FOR PREFARING PINEAFPLF CROWNS FOR PLANTING FiledJanrssa, 192e 9 Smets-Sheet s T. SATO MACHINE Fon PREPARING PINEAPPLEcRows FOR PLANTING Nav. 29, 1927.

Filed Jan.29, 1926 I9 Sheets-Sheet e ,WTA/E55 E5 Nav. 29, 1927.1,651,158

T. sATo MACHINE FOR PREPARING PINEAPPLE CROWNS FOR PLANTING FiledJan.29. 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 i 'il ful" guna/tot WIJ/VESSES '50 5A T0Nav. 29, 1927. 1,651,158

MACHINE ROR PREPARING PINEAPPLE CROWNS FOR PLANTING l ma lPatented Nov.29, 1927.

narran gSTATI-:s

1,651,158 PATENT eprice.

TAKEO sA'ro,y or no'NoLU'LU, TERRITORY or HAWAII.

MACHINE non, rRnPAR-ING PINEAPIPL'E CROWN'S' Fon- PLANTING.

37', Application le January 29, 1926. Serial No. 84,753.

,This invention relates to pineapple culture and more particularly fortreating the crowns of pineapples preparatory to planting thereof.

,5 ln planting pineapples, it is customary to sever the crowns from thefruit afterwhich the lower leaves Vof the crowns are stripped therefromand the crowns are trimmed, so as to expose the hearts thereof (thesecalled seed). After this operatiom the crowns are ready for planting.Considerable difficulty has been experienced in the stripping oftheleaves from the crowns and th'et'rin'iming of the vcrowns and theseoperations have heretofore been accomplished by hand. This handoperation requires considerable time and ei'ort and involves theexpenditure of a considerable amounto'f money. y

lt is therefore the primaryobject of this zo invention to provide amachine'for receiving the pineapple crowns and `for cutting and trimmingthe saine mechanically, and thereby dispense with the dil'licultyheretofore experience-d -in the treating of the pineapple crowns,preparatory te the planting thereof.

Another object of the invention is to p rovide a pineapplecrown cuttingand trimming machine having novel means for receiving the pineapplecrowns and for holdrO ing the crowns fast'in the machine during thecutting and trimming operation.

further object of the invention is the provision of a pineapple cuttingand trimming machine embodying an endless carrier having associatedtherewith rotatable pine:-

apple crown receiving cylinders with novel means for releasablylool-:ing the crowns within the cylinders during the cutting andtrimming operations, with novel means'for H) rotating the cylindersduring the travel of the endless member.

A further object of the inventionl is the provision of novel means fort-rinn'ningthe base of the crowns of the pineapples while i5 thepineapples are locked within the rotatable cylinders. y

A further object of theinventioi'i is the provision of novel meansforcu'tting the pineapple crowns circun'iferentially at a L point spacedfrom the base thereof during the rotation of the cylinders and novelhooks for engaging the crowns below the circumferential cuts so as toeffectively' stripthe leaves' from the crown so as to" expose the i seedthereof.

. er object' the invention vis the' the nne- 6-6 of Figure .3,

provision of novel means for mounting the hooks and the knives, forproviding the circumferential'cuts on the` machine, so that these partswill be readily accessible and easy to adjust relative to the crowns soas to insure the proper strippingthereo'f.'

A .further object of the invention is the provision'of novel' means'for. releasing the pineapple' crowns from the cylinders after 65 thetrimming or striprpingoperation, so as to permit the same to drop fromthe machine by gravity. f y

A still further object of the invention is the provision of anovel'upineapple crown 70 trimming and cutting machine of the abovecharacter, which will'be durable and eilicient in use, one that will `becon'iparativel simple and easy to manufacture and one which can heplaced upon the market and operated'at a reasonable cost.

.lNith these and other objects in view, the invention consists in thenovelconstruction,

` arrangementand yformation of parts, as will 'ofrFigure 3 illustratingthe novel means for 95 closing the pineapple crown engaging jaws andthe'operatin'gv trip for thel lock thereof, Y Figure 5 is a detailtransverse section taken on the kline Vr-5 of Figure 8 sho-wing themeans for moving the crown engag:l jaws in 'their closed positiona-ncl'the `means for supporting the" crown preparatory I to the'grippingHtlre'reof,y

Fig r tl isi a transverse section-taken on Figure i is an enlargedv top'planvien7 of one of the rotatable*'cylindersffora pineapple crown and'thecarry'ing or' support g blocl'r' therefor, the view also'illustrating the means of yconnecting the si'ippor'ting' block withtheconveyor chains,

Figure 8f is 'an' endk elevation of'y one 'of the Figure 12 is afragmentary side elevation partly in section illustrating the novelframework for the machine.

FiUure-l is a horizontal section taken on the line 13-13 of Figure 117showing the crown clamping aws in their locked position and the lockingjaws being released by the dog trip,

Figure 11i is a similar v'ew showingl the jawsr in their open positionwith the bolt operating member moved to its'bolt operating position bythe trame carried trip,

Figure 15 is a side elevation of the cylinder showing the support andcasino' tor the bolt operating` member ot the'locking` dog.

Figure 16 is a detail perspective view ot the bolt operating member,

Figure 17 is a detail perspective view ot the spring. for the lockingdog,

Figure 18 is a detail transverse section taken on the line 18-18 otFigure 3 showing the means of mounting the knives in place and forpermitting the adjustment thereof relative to the crown7 Figure 19 is adetail transverse section taken on the lin-e 19-19 ot Figureillustrating th-e means of mounting the stripping or trimming hooks inplace.

Figure 20 is a detail horizontal section taken on the line QO-QO ot,Figure 19 showing the means employed for permitting the adjustment ot1the stripping or trimming` hooks,

Figure 21 is a top plan view ot a modified type of the machine.y

FigureQQ is a sectional view showing the supporting drum in sideelevatioin Figure i3 is a large fragmentarv top plan view illustratingone of tie cylinders and the crown carrying jans showingthe jaws intheir locked position and the knives an(L stripping or trimminghooks inplace tor engaging the crown,

Figure 24 is a similar view showing the `iaws in their open position andthe4 knives and stripping or trimming hooks open to permit the readyinsertion ot the crown in place in the cylinder.

Figure is a detail'transverse section insiste Figure 28 is a sideelevation ot a pinen 'apple crown after ltue treat-nient thereotIshowing the same trimmed and stripped ready tor planting.

Y Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein similar referencecharacters designate corresponding parts throughout the several viewsthe letter A generally7 indicates one type ot'the improved pineapplecutting, stripping and trimming `machine and the same embodies asupporting trame preferably but not necessarily formed from channeliron. The frame 50 at each end thereof embodies side supportingstandards or supports 51, which as shown are formed from channel ironand these standards have their lower ends anchored or otherwise securedto a .concrete base 52.

The standards 51 arranged at one end ot the frame rotatably supports ashaft 52 and suitable bearings 53 are provided theretor. The standards51 at the opposite end ot the machinesupports a similar shaft 54. Theseshafts 52and 54 have keyed or otherwise secured thereto, pairs otsprocket wheels 55 and 56 respectively, clearly shownin the drawings fora purpose. which will be hereinafter more specifically described. rir-Aranged tlush with the tops oi the pairs otsprocket wheels 55 and 56 arelongitudinally extending channel irons 57 which are supported bystandards 58 which can be formed from angle iron. These standards 58 itSi are braced by transverse channel beams 5S). The standards 5S can be'further braced by longitudinally extending struts 60 as clearly shown.Lower spacedchannel beams 61 are aiso providedand these channel beams eended longitudinally of the trame and are supported by suitable legs orstandardsand certain ot, the channel beams 5S) are rovided Yfor bracingthe stamt ards 58. ri.`he tramecan be braced in :rnv other desired wa asmay be desired1 readily apparent to those skilled in the arl,

An endless conveyor (i5 is arranged to travel longitudinally ot themachine and einbodies a pair ot spaced sprocket Ychains 6G and 67 whichare trained about the pairs of sprocket ywheels and transverselyextending blocks 68 which form an important part oi the presentinvention and which forms supports for the rotatable cylinders 69` whichreceive the pineapple 56. n Thesev sprocket chains 66 and 67 areconnected by insides of the body at one sidet-hereof is provided with apair oit' depending; pivot pins or studs 73 and at a point exactlydiametric to said studs 73 and intermediate the same 'a dependingradially extending casing,` ,74 which forms the housing for the lockbolt 75, which will be hereinafter more fully described.

inechai'iisin is clearly shown in Figures 7 to 17 inclusive of thedrawings. Formed be# low the annular flange or rib 72 and directly abovethe bolt 'casingl 741 is a laterally ei;- tending' arcuate flange 76 andI.Sguide cnsinjgg' 77. rlhe supporting'flang'e 70 formed'on one side ofthe bolt casing 7lwhile the guide casingl 77 is formed on the other sidethereof and the llangey'f forms a support for a pivoted locking' dog' 78which is roc-lably mounted on a. pivot pin 7 9 carried by the saidflange. The outer end of the dog 7 8 is provided with a laterallyextending foot 80 for a purpose, which will be hereinafter more fullydescribed, while the'inner end of the dog is provided with 'alocking-tooth 81.

A leaf spring 82 is providedl for normally i urging the dog awayffromthe cylii'iderand this spring' 82 is coiled about and. achored in placeby a suitable bolt or screw 83 while the free end thereof engages theinner. face of the dog and is provided with a-'slot Sal for thereception of a retaining lug 85 formed on the dos'` to preventdisplacement of the spring, The guide ,casing 77 ysli-dably receives thea cuate bolt operating n'ieinber 86 which conforms tothe configurationof the cylinder and the inner end of this bolt.. operating member S6 isprovided with aloclri e' tooth 87 which is adapted to be engaged thetooth 81 of the dog as shown inlllignre 14 so to prevent movement ofthel said bolt operating; member and the bolt asr rwill be hereinaftermore fully described. :The outer end of the bolt operating' member 80.is provided with a laterally extending'foot S8 the purpose of which willalso be hereinafter more fully described, At a point intermediate theends of the bolt operating; member is a laterally extending' stop lug`89-for limiting the sliding movement of the said member and this stoplug is adapted to engage a Shoulder formed on the casing'. Thisstop lugalso carries an arcuatey guide pin 91 which is slidably mountedA withinan arcuate `guide cylinder or sleeve formed onthe iipper end of theboltcasino` ,el and a s i 93 is eoledabout lthesleeve and' pin; ani

'will be described.

rlher cylinder and its associatel functions to normally urge the bolt'operating; 'member towardl the outer end of its guide casing. The outerface of the bolt operating member adjacent to the tooth 87 thereofleading' toward said member indicated by the reference character 94-which serves as meansfor operating the bolt during the actuation ofthebolt operating member as It is to be noted that theA bolt 475 includes aflatshaped body 70 which adapted'to entend radially into the cylinisprovided with an inclined face der frointhe inner end of the bolt easing74 and the outer end of this bolt can be provided with a guide pin 95 asclearly shown.

rlhe upper edge of the bolt is provided with a headed pin 9G whichextends through a slot 9i formed 1n the bolt casing' and the 'headlofthe pin is adapted to normally engage the inclined face 94 formed onthe said bolt operating member. Y s

llt/Then a 'aineapple crown is placed within the cylinr the crownr isadapted to be tg andv held in an upright position by e.. pair of lockingjaws or bands 97 and 08. 'llliese grasping ews or bands each enibodyshank portions 99 which have formed thereon vintern'iediate their endsarcuate opN positely bowed jawfac'es k100v which can be provided withleather pads or the like 101. The outer endsl of the shanlrs 99 areprovided with hinge barrels 109J which are rotatably mounted upon thestnd bolts 73 and suitable nuts are .employed for holding' the bands orjaws in place. The inner ends of the shanhs 99 arearcuated'to provideoppoL sitely bowed arms 103 and 1.04 as clearly shown in the drawings.The arm 103 is a greater-'width than the arm 10st' and is bifur cated orslotted Vas at 105 so as toreceive said arin 104. lhen the jaws are intheir closed grasping positions the arms 103 and 104- vill overlap asshown clearly in Figures .-13

d when the bolt 75 is in its ent-reine inward position the same isadapted to ride between said arms for holding the same against opening'swinging' movement. i

Again referringto the supporting vblocks G8 for the cylinders.; it is tobe noted that each of the blocks 68 include separable companion partsand 107 and that these companion parts are adapted to meet at thediametric center of a cylinder so asv to grip the same. The companionportions 106 and 107 are adapted to engage n cylinder between the ringlgear 71 and the spaced rib 72 iso that when the said companion portionsare held against mrivement, the cylinders will be prevented fromdisplacement in the said block. The opposite side faces of thecoinpanion portions 106k `and 1.07 of the siipporting' lblocks 68 areeach provided with lat-- erzillyl extending spacedears 109 which areadapted to be clamped together by suitable bolts,- l0, As heretoforeintimated les blocks 68 are carried directly by the sprocket chains 67and 66 and certain of the links of the-sprocket chains are providedvwithout-- wardly extending blocks 111 which Y are adapted to be receivedbetween the ears 109 formed on the companion portion of the blocks andbolts 112 extend through the ears and lugs for firmly connecting the.blocks to the endless sprocket chains. By this construction it` can beseen that upon operation of the machine, that the blocks with theircylinders will be conveyed longitudinally of the frame similar to theordinary flights of a conveyor.

rlhe jaws or bands 97 and 98 are of a some-V what flexible nature andare normally held in an open separated position, so as to admit theintroduction of the pineapple crown in the cylinders, by leaf springs113, and it is to be noted that these springs each embody a coiledbarrel portion 114 and the arcuate body portion 115 which engages theinner end of the adjacent jaw. The coiled barrel portions of the springsare coiled about the supporting studs 7 3 and have the inner endsthereof extended through slots in the studs as clearly indicated in thedrawings. The upper runs of the sprocket chains 66 and 67 are adapted totravel on the upper pair of channel beams 57 which support the conveyorand prevent sagging of the upper runs thereof. Directly in advance ofthe front pair of sprocket wheels is arranged a supporting bed platewhich forms means for initially holding the crowns of the pineapples inthe cylinders prior to the |gripping` thereof by the clamping jaws orbands. This bed plate or table 1.15 is held in place by suitablesupporting brackets or straps 116 which have their opposite terminalsbolted to the channel beams 57. This supporting bed plate 115 terminatesshort of the transverse center of the machine and arranged directly inadvance of the bed plate and transversely of the 'trame is the trimmingknife 117 This trimming knife is also carried by the channel beam 57 andit is to be noted that the ends of the knife 117 are provided with arms118 which are bolted to brackets 119 which are utilized for supportingthe jaw or band closingv guide track 120. This jaw or band closing guidetrack 120 is arranged above the table or bed plate 115 adjacent to theinner end thereof and this track includes plates 121 which are disposedon cach side of the longitudinal center of the table. V)The forward endsof the plates 'forming the `guide track are'flared as at 122 and it isto be noted that as the cylinders ride above the guide track that .theflared ends 122 of the track will engage the jaws or bands and force thesame slowly itogether about the'crown for holding the saine in positionwithin the cylinders. While the jaws are being held by the guide trackthe crowns will be brought in engagement with the knife 117 which willtrim off the bottoms thereof. Disposed directly in front of the knife117 for trimming the bottom of the pineapple crowns and extendinglongitudinally of the frame is a second table or supporting bed plate124. This table'or bed plate 124 is of a less width than the first tableor bed plate 115 in order to permit the free operation of thecircumferential cutting knife and stripping hooks as will be hereinaftermore fully described. It is to be noted that this table or bed plate 124extends from the knife k117 to a point short of the rear end of themachine and this table or bed plate is supported by arms 125 which arebolted to suitable brackets 126 connected with one of the side channelbeams 57.

The arms 125 also support adjacent to one Aedge of the bed plate 11.7 anupstanding guide plate 127 which extends the full length of the said bedplate. f f

The brackets 126 provide means for also supporting the circumferentialcutting knives 128 and the stripping hooks 129.

These cutting knives 128 andthe strippingV hooks 129 are arranged on theopposite side of the bed plate 124 from the guide plate 127 and extendlongitudinally vof the machine as shown.

connecting the same to the brackets 126 and this 'means embodies a pairof spaced hori- Zout-ally disposed longitudinally extending plates 13()and 131. The'longitudinally extending cutting knives 128 are connectedsolely to the upper plate 130 and these knives are arranged one abovethe other and include oppositely flared blades 132 and 133. Each of theblades is provided withinwardly lextending; Shanks 134 and 135respectively which are arranged in overlapping relation andare providedwith spaced longitudinally extending slots 136 through which extendsupporting bolts 137. The

heads of these bolts are preferably counter- .sunkwithin the topsupporting plate 130 and it is obvious that by loosening the bolts thatthe knives can be adjusted toward or away from the supporting bed plate124, so

as to regulate the cut made on the pineapple `Novel means is providedfor lsupporting the knives and hooks and for on the inclined face 94ofthe said operating member which will release the jaws and the samewill open. The cylinders will again be ready for receiving the crownsand as soon as thendog 78 is operated by the dog tripper 160 theoperating member 86 will slide away from the dog under influence of thespring 93 allowing the bolt 75 to again engagethe arcuate arms 103 and104 of the clamping jaws or crown engagingbands. It is to be noted atthis point that as soon as the dog rides past the dog pusher that the`same will assume thevposition shown in Figure 7 for locking theoperating member -1 86 when the same comes 1n engagement therewith. Themachine can be driven in any preferred way and as shown therear shaft 641s provided with a drive sprocket wheel 1T 0 which will be connectedwith anyv suitable source of power.

In Figures 22 to 27 inclusive I have shown a slightly modifiedrform ofinvention generally indicated by the reference character B in which theendless conveyor or belt is replaced by a rotary drum 200. This drum 200is of a considerable size in diameter and embodies an annular rim orshell 201, and acentral hub plate 202, which is secured in any preferredway to the drive shaft 203. This drive shaft 203 is rotatably mounted insuitable bearings 204 carried by standards 205 which can be braced inany preferred way and anchored to a concrete base if desired. Thestandards 205 and the bracing means therefor forms the frame for themachine and as this frame can be constructed in any desired manner thesame has not been shown in detail.

On each side of the hub plate 202 is arranged an annular row of openings206 which extends circumferentiallyA about the rim or shell of the drum.These openings 206 are adapted to rotatably receive the cylinders 207,which are provided for the pineapple crowns.

These cylinders 207 are of a novel construction and each embody theannular body 208 and a radially extending flange 209. The walls of theopenings 206 can be rabbeted as at 210 for receiving the flanges 209 sothat the outer faces of the cylinders 207 will be iiush with theperiphery of the drum. In order to hold the cylinders against accidentalmovement inwardly or outwardly of the drum but to still permit ltherotation thereof, an annular retaining ring 211 is provided. The rings211 are placed in engagement with the drum and are detachably secured tothe bodies 208 of the cylinders by suitable bolts or the like '212. I

In this form of the invention the pine-y apple crowns are held within.the cylinders against rotation while the cylinders rotate about thesame.

The meansv utilized for holding the pine apple crowns stationary withinthe cylinders 207 embodies pairs of clamping jaws 213 and 214 which areadapted to extend diametrically across the cylinders when the same areintheir clamping positions. Each pair of the aws 213 and 214 embodieselongated substantially arcuate shanks 215 having oppositely bowedportions at a point intermediate their ends to define clamping jaw faces216 for engaging the crowns. The inner faces of thesejaws are providedwith gripping mem bers such as rubber pads ror the like 2174 Oneterminal of each jaw of each pair of jaws is provided with a barrel 217and these barrels are rotatably mounted upon stud pins 218 secured tothe periphery of the drum adjacent to the cylinders in any preferredAway. These barrels are prevented from riding offl of the stud pins 218by any preferred means, such as by cotter pins 219 as shown. Jaws 213and 214 of each pair are adapted to be normally held in a spreadcondition away from each other, to permit the ready insertion of thepineapple crown within the cylinders, by means of springs 220 which havecoiled barrel portions placed around the stud pins 218 and outwardlyextending body portions which engage the shanks of the jaws. These jawsare adapted to be maintained in closed crown gripping position forsubstantially a distance of one half of the circumference of the drum,so as to permit the cutting knives 221 and the stripping hooks 222 toengage and operate upon the pineapple crowns. The means for holding thejaws in their closed gripping positions embodies the pairs of spacedguide tracks 223 and 224. These pairs of guide tracks 223 and 224 arearranged on the opposite sides of the hub plate 202 and are of asubstantially semi-circular form and extend approximately about one-halfof the drum. Each pair of the guide tracks is so arranged as to extendabout the portion of the drum providedV with the openings 206 in such amanner as to permit one track of each pair of tracks to lie on oppositesides of the dianietric center of the cylinders 207 and the openings206. The forward ends of the pairs of tracks are flared as at 226 sothat as the clamping jaws ride into the tracks the jaws will graduallymove to their clamping position. y

In order to hold the pairs of guide tracks 223 and 224 in place acentrally dispose-d arcuate supporting plate 227 is provided. This plate227 is Vsecured adjacent to vits lower vend to the supporting frame inany desired way and the opposite edges thereof have bolted theretolaterally extending transversely disposed arms 226 which can be formedon or secured to the inner track of each pair of tracks as clearly shownin the drawings. The outer track of each pair of tracks has securedthereto or formed thereon .Hin

CII

' blade 237.

ses i wat outwardly extending arms- 229; which aref boltedr or otherwisesecured to-brackets230,v

hat a set of thelm'iresand aset of the hooks stud bolts by any preferredmeans such as lock nuts-for the like.- Eaoli set of knives 221 embodiesan upper knife blade 286 a. lower knife blade 238 and an intermediateknife These blades gradually increase inlength toward the lower-mostblade as clearly shownin Figures 25 and 27 of the drawings. It is to benoted that the knife bladesare mounted adjacent to the inner faces ofthe rings 21.1- whi'le the sets oflhooks.

222 are arranged' inward of the knives and each setl of hooks1 include aplurality of spaced members for engaging the pineapple' crowns at spacedpoints to insure the stripping. and trimming thereof below the seriesVof circumferential cuts made thereon by the sets of knives 2211. Thelower terminals of the hollow shafts 23st. have secured theretoy orformed thereon spur gear wheels 235 which are adap'tedf tol mesh withthe short lengths of. rack bars241 and 2t2-whicli will behereinaftermore fully described.

in order to normally holdV the sets ofhooks and knives in theiroperative cutting and Astripping and trimming positions, that isprojecting into the cylinders from the opposite sides thereof a seriesof coil springs 243 are provided. These springs are placed about thelhollow shafts 234 between certain pusher plate; ori strap.'l 2461' whichengages ally ofthe knives and hooks-fotl normally urging bolts 2327and233 are sethe. same inone directiontoward the pineapple crowns.` A stoppin 24T is carried by each spur gear 235 and is disposed in the path ofthe lowermost portion of the said hooks so as to limit the swingingmovement thereof under the influence of the springs. The springsnormally lend to separate the hooks and the hooks and knives wiiich arenot held spaced by the springs have suitable spacing washers 24Sarranged between the saine as clearly shown in Figure 25 of thedrawii'igs. The short rack bar sectionscan be bolted or otherwisesccuredto the bracket yarms 249 which canbe in turn connected with thesupporting frame for the drum. The periphery of each retaining ring 211for the cylinders 207 h ve formed thereon or secured thereto ring gears25() and the rack bars 231 are arranged in thev path ofthe ringI gearsso that the cylinders will be rotated as the same move past the saidrack bars. This of course will turn the cutting knives and hooks aboutthe pineapple crowns as the same are held stationary by the clampingAjaws. rllhe' drum can be rotated iny any preferred way and its driveshaft 203 can be connected in anydesired way to a suitable prime movero-r other source of power.

In operation of the improved device the pineapple crowns are fed one ata time into the cylinders just in advance of the flared 'p'oitionsx226ofthe pairs of guide. tracks 223.r

it this time the crowns will be brought into engagement with thetransversely extending knife 255 which extends into the drum on eachside of the hub plate 202 thereof and thus the bottoms of the crownsvill severed. As the cylinders are now advanced by the rotation of thedrums7 the clamping jaws will be moved to their `clamping position bythe pairs of guide tracks and the crowns will be firm-ly held againstmovement.. Asstated the crowns are fed into the cylinders in advance ofthe guide tracks and just in advance of the short upper pairs of rackbars 241 and engagement of the spur gears 235 with the rack bar sectionswill swing the. knives and hooks a quarter of a revolution intoengagement with the pineapple crown and holdy the pineapjfile crowntemporarily while the lower ends thereof are severed by the-knife 255.The cylinders will make a number of complet revolutions while the sameare passingv between theguide tr cks and-the rack bar 231 so that theknives andY hookswill completely strip or trim the lower end ofthecrowns to expose the heart or seed thereof. It is to be understood thatthe sets of knives willmake a seriesof spaced circumferential cutsentirely about the pineapple crowns at a point spaced from the lowerends thereof soI that the hooks will be permitted to readily strip andtrimA the' leaves from oft of said crowns By the time the cylinders havereached the bottom end fil) ill)

llil

of the rack har 231 and the pairs of guide tracks 223, the pineapplecrowns will loc completely trimmed and stripped and the spur gears 235will mesh with the lower short rack loars 242 which will again-turn thesets of knives and hooks a quarter of a revolution against the tensionof the springs which will allow the crowns to fall from out of thecylinders by gravity. The crowns can be caught in suitable receptaclesor a conveyor belt can he placed under the drum so as to carry thetreated crowns to the desired points. As soon as the spur gears 35 passthe rack sections 24:2 thc same will again move to their operativepositions and remain in such positions until the spur gears are againacted upon by the upper rack bars 241 which will tend to swing theknives and hooks to their open position to allow the inimediateinsertion of new pineapple crowns.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that a novel and completemachine has heen provided for effectively trii'nming and strippingpineapple crowns to expose the heart or seed thereof, which hasheretofore heen accomplished solely by hand labor.v

Changes in details may he made without departing from the spirit or thescope of this invention, lout:

ldlhat I claim as new is:

l. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprisingmeans for conveying the pineapple crowns through the machine and meansfor cutting and stripping the crowns during the travel thereof throughthe machine.

2. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, means supported upon the frame for conveying the pineapple crownsthrough the machine, means for initially trimming the bases of thecrowns during thetravel of the crowns through the mach-ine and means forcutting and stripping the leaves of the crowns directly above the basethereof during the said travel of the crowns.

l. A, machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprisingmeans for coi'iveying the pineapple crowns through the machine, meansfor initially cutting` the bases of the crowns at the start of thetravel of the crowns through the machine, means for cutting the crownscircun'iferentially at a point spaced from the bases thereof during thetravel of the crowns through the machine and means for stripping thecrowns during the cutting operation and the travel of the crowns throughthe machine.

4L. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, means supported upon the frame for conveying the crowns throughthe machine, means for releasaloly locking the pineapple crowns upon theconveying means during a portion of the travel of said conveyor,

means for trimming olf the bases of the crowns initially at the start ofthe travel Df the conveying means,- knivcs arranged in rear of the basetrimming knife for cutting the crowns at a point spaced from the leasesthereof circumferentially, and a plurality of spaced hooks for strippingthe crowns` yloetween thecircumferential cut and the bases.

5. A machine' for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, means supported upon the frame forconvey-y ing the crowns throughthe machine, means mounted upon said conveying means for releasablygripping the crowns, a knife for engaging the crowns and cutting thebases thereof olf during the travel of said conveying means, a pluralityof knives arranged in rear of the i'irst mentioned knife for providing aseries of circumferential cuts around the crowns at a point spaced fromthe lower end thereof, and a series of sets of stripping hooks arrangedat spaced points for stripping the crowns intermediate the inner endsthereof and the circumferential cuts.

6. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, means for conveying the pineapple crowns through the machin-earranged upon said frame, means for releasahly locking the crowns uponthe conveying means for a portion of the travel thereof, a knife fortrimming the leases at a point adjacent to the bottoms thereof, aplurality of knives arranged inwardly ef the first mentioned knife forcutting the crowns circumferentially at a point spaced from the leasesthereof, and a plurality of sets of spaced stripping hooks arrangedloelow the second mentioned knives for stripping the crowns between thebases thereof and said circumferential cuts. 7. A machine for preparingpineapple crowns for planting comprising a frame, means for conveyingthe pineapple crowns through the machine, a plurality of clamping jawscarried by said conveying means` for gripping the pineapple crowns,means for releasably holding said gripping means in engagement with thepineapple crowns for a portion of the travel of said conveying means,means including a knife for cutting ofi' of the bases of the pineapplecrowns at the start of the travel of the crown on the conveying means,means arranged on eac-h side of the crowns including a plurality ofknives for cutting the crowns circumferentially at a point above theleases thereof, and means including a plurality of sets of hooksarranged on each side of the Acrowns and inward of the plurality ofknives for stripping the crowns at a point aloove the leases and inwardof the cut made hy the plurality of knives.

8. A machine for ci'ownsfor planting comprising a means forconveying thepineapple crowns inn llifi llo preparing pineapple frame,

till

locking 'the jaws in engagement with the crowns for a portion ofthetravel of said 'conveyinginc'unf, knives ai'raiigld'o'ii opposite sidesof lthe cylinders lfor cutting/the crowns circi'iin'l'e their 'baises'durii the travel of the crowns throifigh the machine, and a plurality ofsets it .stripping hooks associated with thema-- chine inward of saidplurality of knives for stripping the crowns between the bases and thecircumferential cuts.

9. A i'nach'ine for preparing pineapple crowns for plantingvco'iiiprisiiig a frame, means supported upon the same for conveyii-ngthe crovv'ns'through the machine, a plu# rality of rotatable cylinderssupport-ed by said conveying means for receiving the crowns, means forreleasably locking the crowns within the cylinders, and means forcutting and stripping the vcrowns in the cylinders while the saine 'arelockedr thereinY and during the travel 'of the conveying lmeans throughthe machine, j

it). A macliine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprisinga` frame, ni ins supported upon the frame for conveyii'ig the pineapplecrowns'v through the machine, a plurality of spaced rotatable cylinderssupported upo'n the conveying means for receiving the crowns', pivotedclamping jaws carried by the cylinders, means for inovii'ig the jaws.into clamping engagement with the crowns, means for vreleasing'Y thejaws 'from clamping engagement with the crowns at a predetermined time,and cuttii'ig and st 'ippii'ig means for the piiiea iple crowns arrangedbetween the means for locking the. jaws in engagement with the crownsand for releasing said locking means.

il. i-i machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, means supported upon the frame for conveying the'crowns throughthe machine, plurality of pairs of pivoted gripping jaws associated withthe said convcyingnieans for engaging the crowns, n'ieans for moving`the gripping jaws to a pineapple crown grippingposition, lmeans forreleasing the jaws to permit the releasing of the` pineapple crownsarranged at a pointspaced from the means for moving the jaws to theirgrippingposition and means arranged between the jaw closing means andthe jaw releasing means for cuttii'ig and stripping the said crownsduring the travel of the crowns through the machine on said conveyingmeans.

l2. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for pl'antli'ig 'comprising`a frame,

ent'ially at a point above` means supported upon the fraiii'e forconveying the crowns through the machine, a plu- Aality of spacedrotatable cyliiiders mounted upon 'the conveying' means, means for-rotatiiig the cylinders during a portion of the travel of saidconveying means, means. for

locking the crowns within the cylinders dui'- iiig the rotation thereof,longitudinally eX-- tending knives arranged upon the frame for engagingthe crowns `and cutting the same during the yrotation thereof, Aandhooks supported upon the Aframe inward of said knives vacting'upon thepineapple crowns below'the cut portions thereof.

13. A' machine for preparing pineapple crownsv for planting comprising aframe, means supported upon the frame for conveying the crowns throughthe machine, a plurality of spaced rotatable cylinders cai'- ried bysaid conveying' means for receiving the. pineapple crowns, means forrotating said cylinders, during a. portion of the ltravel of saidconveying means through the niachine, means for releasably locking thecrowns within the cylinders during the rotation thereof, means forpreventing retrograde movement of said cylinders, a transverselyextending stationary knife arranged inward of the cylinders and inadvance of the cylindeil rotating means for trimming off the bases ofthe crowns, `spaced longitudinally `extending Vknives vsupported uponthe frame arranged o'n opposite sides of the cylinders for engaging thecrowns during the Vrotatiiin thereof for cutting' the samecircumfe'ren't-ially jat a point spaced from the bases thereof, and a.plurality of sets of stripping hooks mounted inward of saidlongitudinally extending vknives for acting upon said crowns 'while thesame are locked in place vfor `'strippii'ig saidV crowns to expose thehearts thereof.

le. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising a`frame,

means'supported upon the frame for conveying the crowns through themachine, a pluralityV 'of spaced rotatable cylinders mounted upon saidconveying means for receiving the crowns, means for rotating saidcylinders for a portion of the length yoftra'vol of isaid conveyingmeans, means for locking the crowns in the cylinders during the rotationof the cylinders, al table arranged to initially support the crownsprior to the locking of the crowns in the cylinders duringthev intialplacing of the crowns in the cylinders, a transversely extending knifearranged inward ofthe cylinders for trin'iming olf the basesl of thepineapples, longitudinally extendii'ig knives disposed inward of the'cylinders for 'cutting' the crowns circumferentially during the travel'of the conveying means at poiiitaboye the bases of Athe crowns, meansfor adjusting the knives toward and away from the ci'oivns,

a plurality of sets of spaced stripping hooks arranged upon the framefor engaging the crowns on the opposite sides` thereof inward of theciroumferentially cut portions thereof for stripping the same, and meansfor adjusting the hooks toward and away' from said crowns.

l5. A machine for preparing' pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, means supported upon the frame for conveying the pineapple crowns'through the machine, a plurality of spaced rotatable cylinders mountedupon said crown conveying means, means for rotatingl the cylinders for aportion ofthe length of the Vtravel of said conveying` means, means forlocking the crowns within the cylii'iders for rotation therewith,stationary longitudinally entending knives arranged to engage theciL'o-wns during the rotation thereof and a point above the basesthereof for cutting the saine circumferentially, means for cutting offthe bases at a point below the circumferential cut portions thereof, anda plurality of sets of spaced hooks for engaging the crowns below thecircumferential cut portions thereof.

16. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, a conveyor supported by the frame for movement longitudinallythereof, a 'plurality of rotatable cylinders mounted at spaced points onthe conveyor for receiving the pineapple crowns, means normally holdingthe cylinders against rotation in one direction` means for rotating thecylinders in the other direction during` a portion of the travel of saidconvey r, pivoted clamping members carried by the cylindersV forgripping the crowns, means normally tending to spread said grippingmembers, means for moving the members intoV gripping contact with thecrowns prior to the start of rotation thereof, means for releasing 'themembers from gripping contact at the end of the rotation thereA of.,means for cutting the bottoms from off of the crowns including atransversely extending knife carried by the frame and arranged in thepath of said pineapple crowns, a. longitudinally extending knifearranged upon the frame at the point of rotation of said vcrowns forcutting the crowns'circumferentially, and spaced hooks arranged upon theframe inward of said longitudinally extending knife for stripping thecrowns below the circumferential cut.

17. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising asupporte` a conveyor arranged upon the support for travel longitudinallythereof, a plurality of spaced supporting blocks forming a part of Atheconveyor, a rotatable cylinder carried by each block for receiving apineapple crown, means forpreventing rotation of the cylinders in onedirection, means for rotating the cylinders in the opposite directionduring a ,porti-on of the travel of the conveyors,'a

pair of clamping jaws carried by each cylinder arranged toiextenddiametrically across the same for engaging the pineapple crowns, meansnormally tending to spread the aws and hold the same in an openposition, means for moving the jaws into gripping contact with thecrowns prior to the rotation of theY cylinders, -means for locking thejaws in gripping contact during rotation of the cylinders,meansincluding a transversely eX- lending knife arranged in the path ofthe crowns for cutting off the bottom thereof. a longitudinallyextending by the frame for engaging the crowns, during the rotationthereof for cutting the knife supported v same circuinferentially,adjustable hooks ar ranged below Vthe knife supported by the frame andmovable toward and away fromv the active edge of the longitudinallyeXtending knife and mounted below the same. for stripping the crownsbelow the circumferential cut made therein and means for releasing` thepairs at the termination of the rotation of said cylinders. i y

18. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, a conveyor supported upon the frame. for movement longitudinallythereof, a plurality of transversely extending blocks mounted upon andforming a part of the conveyor, a

rotatable cylinder carriedpby each block, aV ring gear carried by eachcylinder, a longi-A tudinally extending rack bar` carried by the frameand disposed in the path of said ring gear for a portion of the lengthof the travel of said conveyor for rotating the cylinders within theblocks, anda pair of pivoted jaws carried by each cylinder arranged toentend diametrically across the same when in their clamping position,spring means normally nolding the jaws in an open nonclamping position,means for moving the jaws to their clamping positions prior toengagement of the ring' gears with the rack bar, means for ylocking thejaws in their clamping' position, means for severing the bottoms of thecrowns prior to the rotation of the cylinders, a longitudinallyextending cutting knife carried .by the frame and disposed in spacedparallel relation lto the rack bar for engaging the crowns during therotation thereof ata vpoint spaced from their lower ends for cutting`the same circumfer-V entially, a plurality of hooks mounted upon theframe for engaging thecrowns during the rotation thereof disposed belowthe knife for stripping' the crowns, and means for releasing the jawlocking means at the termination of the rotation of said cylinders forreleasing said crowns. j

19. A. machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprising aframe, a conveyor supported upon the frame for movement longitudinallythereof including ifi() ilu a pair of spaced endless conveyor chains andping jaws carried by each cylinder arranged to extend diametricallyacross the same when in their closed positions, means norinally tendingto hold the jaws inl an open nonsgripping position, means larranged* inadi/'ance of the rack bar for moving the j aws' to their closedposition, means for locking the jaws in their closed position, atra-nsversely extending knife arranged inward-of the blocks forengaging.. the bases of the crowns for trimming the same, alongitudinally Vextending knife mounted upon the frame in spacedparallel relation to the rack bar for engaging the crowns ata pointvspaced from the bases thereof during the rotation thereof for forming acircumferential cut therein, a plurality of spaced stripping hooksdisposed below the knife for vcutting the crowns circumferentiallymounted upon said frame for stripping the crowns f below saidcircumferential cut and means for releasing-said jaw locking means atthe end of the rack bar. V

20. A machine for @preparing pineapple crowns for planting comprisingy aframe, rotatable shafts arranged atv each end of the frame, means forrotating one of said shafts, pairs of sprocket wheels. upon Said shaftsfor rotation theizewith, spaced sproclet (ihains of endlessLconstruction trained about said sprocket wheels, transversely aliiiedblocks .carried by said links of the chains, transversely extendingsupporting blocks secured .to the blocks carried by .the chains, each ofsaid supporting blocks having an axial opening therein, a cylinderrotat-ably mounted in each opening, a ring vgear carried by eachcylinder, a longitudif nally extending rack bar carried by the chainextending a portion of the length ot the travel of the conveyors andarranged inv the path of the ring gears for rotating the cylinders, apivoted pawl carried by each supporting block. for engaging the ringgears to prevent the ring gears from notait ying in one direction, meanscarried.v by each cylinder for gripping a pineapplecrown, andl means forcutting 21ndstripping the vpineapple crowns during the rotation rvofsaid cylinders.

2l. A machine for preparing pineapple crowns for. planting. comprising.a Support--r ing frame, arranged upon the. frame for movementlongitudinallythereof, a .plurality of rotatable cylinders carried bythe' con,L lveyor, means for rotatingthe cylinders. for

a port-ion .of the travel of the conveyor, means for gripping pineapplecrowns withinthe cylinders during the rotation. thereof, means forcutting the crownsl circumferentially at a point spaced from the basesthere- 1 offincluding a knife having a pair of longir tudinallyextending blades adjustably mounted upon the frame gin-dually divei'gIing toward their cutting ends and means arranged',l below ,the knivesfor. stripping the crowns below the knives including a plulityofsnperimposedsets of hooks arranged sj'iacedv relation throughout thelengths of e knives.

Q2. In a machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planting, a frame, aconveyor supportedrby t-hefraine and arranged to in th travellongitudinally thereof, rotatable pineapple crown gripp ng means carriedby the conveyor, means for rotating said pineapple crowns grippingmeans, means for cutting the crowns circumferentially at a point spacedfrom the bases thereof including a supporting plate housed by the frameand .a pair of spacedr longitudinally extend-ing blades adjustablymounted upon the plate toward and away from the longitudinal center ofthe frame, the blades gradually divergingtoward their inner free ends,and means for stripping the crowns during the rotation ofthe pineapplegripping means Anchiding aplurality of sets of superimposed hooksadjustably mounted upon said. plates below said knives.

23. In a pineapple crown trimming and peeling machine, a frame,ahorizontally support-ing plate arranged upon the frame, means forconveying the pineapple.crowns` past said plate, a vknife arrangedfbelowthe plate including a pair of longitudinally eX.- i

tending blades, the blades gradually di! verging toward their freeinneiI ends and outwardly extending shaiiks formed on the. bladesfhaving slots formedA therein, holding bolts extending through the slotsand ia said supporting plates-and stripping means mounted below theknife including a plurality of'sets of superimposed hooks, a holdingbolt carried by said Asupporting plate and extending through said setsof hooks, the plate inward Vof the holding bolt having 'an arcuate slot,and an adjusting bolt extending through said sets of hooks mounted insaid arcuate slot.

In a machine for preparing pineapple i-.i

crowns for plainj'iin-g, means for stripping` the crowns including :aplurality of sets'ot' superimposed hooks, each of saidA hookseinvbodying aiiat shank and laterally extend ing arcuate strippingprongs, one of said prongs being arranged at an angle to the otherprongs.

25,. In a machine for preparing pineapple crowns for planiping, a frame,ak conveyor arranged upon the frame for movement lon` l lll)

